For the National Elections Commission (NEC), an institution entrusted with safeguarding Liberia's democracy, planning cannot wait until elections are announced. It begins years in advance through careful reflection, institutional reforms, investments in people and technology, and a commitment to earning the confidence of every voter.

That vision took center stage on Wednesday, 2 September 2026, when the NEC officially launched its 2026-2030 Strategic Plan, a comprehensive roadmap that will guide the Commission's transformation over the next five years as it prepares for the 2029 General and Presidential Elections.

The launch, held at the NEC Headquarters in Monrovia, brought together members of the Legislature, government officials, representatives of the diplomatic corps, political parties, civil society organizations, development partners, and the media.

The Strategic Plan was developed with support from the Liberia Electoral Support Project, funded by the European Union, Irish Aid, and Sweden.

This Plan outlines NEC's renewed vision of becoming "an independent, professional, and technology-enabled electoral management body delivering credible elections to strengthen Liberia's democracy," while reaffirming its mission to conduct credible, inclusive, and transparent elections through innovation and accountability, thereby earning public trust.

The document is anchored on seven core values: independence, professionalism, inclusivity, accountability, transparency, integrity, and impartiality. These principles will guide every aspect of the Commission's work over the next five years.

The launch marked the culmination of months of extensive self-assessment, consultation, and planning that reached far beyond NEC headquarters. Comprehensive internal discussions with NEC staff at headquarters and across magisterial offices were complemented by consultations with political parties, civil society organizations, government institutions, development partners, and other electoral stakeholders.

This inclusive process ensured that the final strategy reflects diverse perspectives and practical realities from across Liberia. The result is a strategy grounded not only in technical expertise but also in broad national ownership.

Officially launching the Strategic Plan, NEC Chairperson Hon. Jonathan K. Weedor described it as far more than an institutional planning exercise, characterizing it instead as a national commitment to protecting Liberia's democratic future.

"The Strategic Plan is our collective declaration that the future of our electoral integrity will be defined not by chance, but by design," he said.

Recognizing that credible elections require a collective effort, Weedor called on government institutions, political parties, civil society, the media, and international partners to continue supporting the NEC as it works to strengthen Liberia's democratic institutions.

Development partners welcomed the Strategic Plan as an important milestone in Liberia's democratic journey. Mohammed K. Konneh, ECOWAS Representative to Liberia, congratulated the NEC for developing a forward-looking strategy that will serve not only as an institutional guide but also as a benchmark against which citizens and partners can measure progress.

He noted that while every strategic plan provides direction, successful electoral management also requires flexibility, enabling institutions to respond effectively to emerging challenges and evolving electoral environments.

On behalf of Sweden, Ambassador Karl Backeus reaffirmed his country's longstanding commitment to strengthening Liberia's democracy through support to the NEC, civil society, and electoral reforms under the Liberia Electoral Support Project.

While acknowledging the upcoming closure of Sweden's Embassy in Liberia, he stressed that Sweden's partnership with Liberia would continue in new forms. "Liberia is a strong democracy, but it is something that cannot be taken for granted. It needs to be worked on and defended every day," he said.

Representing the European Union Delegation to Liberia, Gilles Matayron, Head of Partnerships, described the launch as a significant milestone on Liberia's path toward the 2029 elections.

He commended the NEC for undertaking an inclusive consultation process that brought together stakeholders from across institutions and sectors.

Matayron encouraged continued collaboration on electoral law reform, constituency delimitation, sustained civic and voter education, gender equality, disability inclusion, efforts to counter misinformation and disinformation, and stronger compliance with campaign finance regulations. 

These priorities align with recommendations made by the European Union Election Observation Mission following Liberia's 2023 elections.

Speaking on behalf of UNDP, Deputy Resident Representative Louis Kuukpen reaffirmed the organization's commitment to supporting strong, transparent, and accountable democratic institutions in Liberia.

Kuukpen emphasized that effective electoral management depends not only on the successful conduct of elections but also on long-term institutional planning, continuous learning, and sustained partnerships that strengthen public trust.

As preparations gradually begin for the 2029 General and Presidential Elections, the launch of the NEC Strategic Plan marks a renewed commitment, shared by the Commission, government, citizens, and development partners, to protect and strengthen one of Liberia's most important democratic institutions for generations to come.

The Liberia Electoral Support Project is managed by UNDP and implemented in partnership with UN Women and the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy, with support from the European Union, Ireland, and Sweden. It supports national institutions and processes that promote a more inclusive and accountable democracy in Liberia. 

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